Tom Mboya

Tom Mboya (15 August 1930-5 July 1969) was Justice Minister of Kenya from 1963 to 5 July 1969, preceding Charles Njonjo.

Biography
Tom Mboya was born on a sisal plantation in in Kilima Mbogo, Kenya in 1930 to a Luo family. He became active in the African trade union movement, and served as secretary-general of the Kenya Federation of Labor from 1953 to 1963. In 1957, together with Daniel arap Moi he was one of the first African members of the Kenya legislative council, where he soon demonstrated his oratorial skills. He became an important figure in the negotiations on Kenyan independence because of his pragmatism and moderation. In 1960, he became secretary-general of the newly-formed KANU. After independence he held various government posts including Minister of Labor and Minister of Justice. Widely regarded as heir to Jomo Kenyatta, he was assassinated in Nairobi in July 1969. He was shot dead on Government Road after leaving a pharmacy, and Kenyatta was suspected of having Mboya killed to protect his political career.